Aston Villa have already been given transfer green light amid Eberechi Eze links
Eberechi Eze’s Future at Crystal Palace Under Spotlight Ahead of Transfer Window
Back in September last year, shortly after the transfer window slammed shut, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish gave an unusually candid interview reflecting on the club’s summer business. In a conversation that offered rare insight into the inner workings of the club’s transfer strategy, Parish spoke openly about the deals that were made — and those that weren’t.
During that window, Palace had managed to fend off strong interest from Newcastle United in centre-back Marc Guehi, a rising star in the England national team. However, they weren’t able to hold onto everyone. Joachim Andersen completed a move to Fulham, and Michael Olise, one of the Premier League’s brightest young talents, secured a high-profile transfer to German giants Bayern Munich. In response, Palace acted decisively in the market, bringing in striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal, repatriating winger Ismaila Sarr from France, and securing Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah on loan to bolster the defensive line.
However, the biggest surprise of the window — even to Parish himself — was the fact that Eberechi Eze remained a Crystal Palace player. The gifted playmaker, who joined from Queens Park Rangers in 2020, has grown into one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the Premier League. His flair, technical skill, and vision have not only made him a fan favourite at Selhurst Park but have also earned him regular call-ups to the England squad.
Eze has continued to elevate his game and is currently enjoying what is arguably his best season in a Palace shirt. With double digits in both goals and assists, he has played a pivotal role in helping the club reach the FA Cup final under new manager Oliver Glasner — a run that notably included a goal in the semi-final victory over Aston Villa, a club that reportedly continues to monitor his situation closely.
Reflecting on the summer window in his interview with Sky Sports News, Parish did not hide his astonishment at the lack of serious transfer interest in Eze.
“I was really worried from a club point of view about losing both Michael [Olise] and Ebbs [Eze] in the same window,” Parish said. “But in Ebbs’ case, we just didn’t see the kind of interest I expected. I was absolutely astounded. Honestly, the guy is a phenomenal footballer and a wonderful person. Any football club would be lucky to have him.”
He continued, “From a club perspective, of course it was a relief to keep him. But I’ve always said that we shouldn’t stand in his way if the right opportunity comes along for him to play at the very top level. He’s earned that. He’s playing for England regularly now, and that says everything about his ability and growth.”
As the 2025 summer transfer window approaches, speculation is once again mounting around Eze’s future. This time, however, the climate may be very different. With a reported £68 million release clause in his contract, the 26-year-old could be one of the most in-demand names on the market — especially if Palace are unable to match his ambitions for European football and silverware.
While Aston Villa have long been admirers and may yet revisit their interest, they are unlikely to be the only club circling. With Eze now proving himself consistently at both club and international level, top Premier League sides — and possibly elite clubs abroad — could be ready to test Palace’s resolve.
The general consensus is clear: the subdued interest of last summer is unlikely to repeat itself. Whether Eze’s time at Selhurst Park is nearing its end remains to be seen, but if he does depart, it will be with the admiration of his chairman and the respect of the fans — who have witnessed a genuine star blossom in red and blue.